NCT05386563

taVNS on Pupillary Response and Perceptual Learning

The Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) on Pupillary Response and Perceptual Learning

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 12 (actual)
• Sponsor: NYU Langone Health · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study has two parts. The study team will evaluate transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) and two sham settings during a passive task while measuring pupillary response. Second, the study team will assign either taVNS, sham, or no intervention during a go/no-go task and evaluate perceptual learning over three sessions which will also include measuring the pupillary response and electroencephalogram (EEG).

Conditions

• Pupillary Response

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation (taVNS)	taVNS will be delivered by Digitimer DS7 Constant Current Stimulator (an FDA cleared medical device intended for human nerve and muscle stimulation). Stimulation is delivered via sticky pad electrodes all placed on the left side of the body (cymba concha, earlobe, and ulnar side of the wrist). Stimulation is delivered by a 3000ms pulse train (100us pulse width and 25Hz stimulation frequency). The current applied will be between 0.01uA to 9uA. The intervention will be delivered over the course of four sessions approximately one week apart.
PROCEDURE	Sham Stimulation	Sham stimulation will be delivered by Digitimer DS7 Constant Current Stimulator (an FDA cleared medical device intended for human nerve and muscle stimulation). Stimulation is delivered via sticky pad electrodes all placed on the left side of the body (either earlobe or forearm).

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-05-18
• Primary completion: 2022-11-22
• Completion: 2025-07-09
• First posted: 2022-05-23
• Last updated: 2025-12-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States